United Kingdom
Last updated July 15, 2026
Composite GEFRI Score
Access & Parity is the clearest strength
United Kingdom shows advanced readiness to meet the challenges and opportunities of education in a rapidly changing world (95th percentile worldwide). Most dimensions perform above global norms, and the system has clear capacity to scale future-oriented initiatives.
- Global percentile
- 95th
- Global rank
- #10
- Regional rank
- #7
- Viewing data for
Country profile
United Kingdom ranks among the stronger performers in GEFRI, but still falls short of the target-readiness threshold. Its strongest results are in School Access and Gender Parity (93, 93rd percentile), Governance (81, 90th percentile), GEFRI Composite (76, 95th percentile), Innovation (73, 94th percentile), Infrastructure (72, 90th percentile) and Human Capital (63, 91st percentile). All reported dimension scores sit above global norms.
Uneven scores across dimensions show where readiness conditions are less aligned. High internet adoption enables broad participation in digital learning and innovation. Strong tertiary enrollment expands future talent pipelines and strengthens national innovation potential.
Strong R&D funding and a sizable research workforce keep the innovation pipeline active, supporting the system’s capacity to adapt. Policy and regulatory teams coordinate effectively, keeping reforms aligned and providing the stability needed for long-term educational planning. Gender parity across secondary pathways reflects sustained commitment to equitable participation.
Regionally, United Kingdom leads most clearly in School Access and Gender Parity, sitting well above the peer average.
Most indicators are observed rather than imputed, so estimation uncertainty is limited.
Key insights
Ranks in the 95th percentile worldwide, placing the system among high performers.
Places 10th worldwide.
Holds a regional position of 7th within Europe & Central Asia.
Scores range from Access & Parity (93.0) to Human Capital (63.3), reflecting variation across dimensions.
Leads regional peers most clearly in Access & Parity.
Regional peers: Europe & Central Asia
Composite GEFRI Score